Many parents just don't bother, according to a new survey. Are they in danger of ruining their kids' teeth? It's important to get kids used to visiting the dentist. A trip to the dentist or an outing to the park? For children the choice is obvious. But for many parents, a visit to the dentist is not high on their to-do list. A recent survey by Mintel of nearly 500 parents of children under 12 years old found that nearly half did not regularly take their children to the dentist. Only one in five thought their children needed to see a dentist once they had developed baby teeth, and only 63% of mothers and 50% of fathers ensured their children brush their teeth every day. No wonder that 30% of children in the UK have had tooth decay by the age of five. So how often do you need to take your child to the dentist? Photograph: Alamy Luisa Dillner The solution Children need to see a dentist once they have milk teeth. The dentist will then suggest follow-ups – usual